1. Change the Scenery
There's something about getting a change of scenery that really improve productivity. Even when I just move across the house, or move outside, I've found it helpful. Better yet, establish a particular place that is your primary working space. Your brain will jump into working mode whenever you enter (you'll also probably hate spending time in there when you're not working.) Find a study room, a special place outside, or on a rug somewhere. Whatever floats your boat.
2. Find a Cozy Place by Yourself
Getting by yourself and just focusing can be really helpful, assuming your mind isn't being dumb and overactive as mine frequently is. Sometimes, however, my mind is just too active and needs too much stimulation to focus for me to be alone, so:
Or, if you're weird like me...
3. Get Around People
Like where the men in this picture are at, my friend +Aimee Meester (do check out her blog, too, because it's pretty awesome, here) is particularly fond of heading over to coffee shops, if you have some near you. They've got the sort of atmosphere that's pleasant and auspicious for working. And, you know, coffee is good, too. The being around people can help for extroverts or others with a mind that works too much to be alone. Either being surrounded by others' conversations at coffeehouses or within a conversation at home with a friend or family member is nice for distracting myself. Especially when I don't want to do something. If I'm talking with my sister while I'm working, I can forget how much I don't want to be doing what I'm doing. I particularly enjoy--as we're doing as I write this--working alongside her.
4. Grab a Snack (or tea. Tea is amazing.)
Tea, gum, M&M's (which are almost as good as tea), anything that's helpful, chewing will keep your mind active if you're tired and tastes you like will keep you happy to be working. Also, it can work as a sort of reward system. If I particularly don't want to do something, M&M's and apple tea (go to a Japanese market and find something that looks like this or this; it is heavenly) are perfect motivation for me.
5. Music. Always music.
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| And get a record player. Because they are awesome and I need one. Badly. |
Whether you're the kind of person who music helps you focus and be quiet, or who--like me--likes to sing along to music to focus. Or, maybe you need certain music for motivation. Either way, music is always important and necessary in everything you do. Always.
6. Get Out of the House
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| The amount I'm envious of the woman in this picture... |
And go in the middle of some lake in the middle of fall. Yes.
7. Set a Timer/Race Yourself
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| Also, get a pocket watch. Pocket watches are too cool not to own one. |
This is the trick I'm about to do myself. Setting short term goals can be surprisingly effective. Race yourself, or race others, like at this Facebook page.
8. Take Breaks
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| If possible, take a break here. Because in front of a lake in front of distant mountains sounds brilliant. |
Breaaakkkksss are my enemy. I feel like I'm wasting time. I tell myself I need to be working. But, after you've taken a break, you're immensely more productive. If you're having trouble working, take a short walk. Especially if you're working on a book or writing, or struggling with writer's block, taking a walk is immensely helpful for churning ideas around in your head. Just let your mind wander.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to stop procrastinating get to my actual work. Ciao! Good luck on whatever these tips go towards!
Commenters! What do you do when you're having trouble focusing? What's the best way to get things done that you really don't want to do? Best working-foods and -drinks? Are you procrastinating right now? Why aren't you working? Get to work.
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